A prolific shoplifter who stole thousands of pounds worth of goods from shops across Plymouth has been jailed for a year.
Justin Godefroy, 28, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August, after pleading guilty to a total of 18 shoplifting offences and a burglary.
The court heard that Godefroy targeted multiple Co-op branches around the city during the summer, stealing a wide variety of goods including meat, cheese, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, laundry products, health and beauty items, and even shopping baskets.
In one incident on 30 July, Godefroy entered a Premier store, approached the till to make a purchase, and when the cashier opened the register, he reached over and grabbed a large quantity of cash.
Stolen Goods
Items stolen in the spree included:
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Meat and cheese worth £405 in one incident
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Alcohol, coffee, meat, and laundry products worth £200
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Laundry products worth more than £100 on several occasions
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Boxes of chocolates worth more than £50 and a £20 basket
In total, his offending racked up thousands of pounds in losses for local retailers.
Godefroy refused to be interviewed following his arrest. He was also ordered to pay £600 compensation to the Co-op.
Police Response
PCSO Nicola Healy, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said:
“We welcome the sentence given by the court to Justin Godefroy.
Godefroy is among the most prolific of offenders and time and time again demonstrated his lack of consideration for the businesses he targeted and stole from.
We will continue to tackle retail crime and do everything we can to bring to justice offenders such as Justin Godefroy.”
Residents and business owners are encouraged to report retail crime using Devon & Cornwall Police’s online reporting tool, by calling 101, or dialling 999 if a crime is in progress. Anonymous reports can be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
